Manuel Schaaf 104

Knowing our carbon footprint is the first step to reducing it. I will calculate my carbon impact and identify lifestyle changes that could reduce the carbon footprint and impacts on the environment. I will share my commitments to lowering my impact on the feed.

I will save water in my dorm or shared living space by only flushing the toilet when necessary—potentially conserving up to 12 gallons (45 L) per day.

I will reduce food waste and save money by planning a weekly menu, only buying the ingredients I need.

Each of us has a water footprint, directly linked to our daily activities as well as the water required in the production of things we use each day. Understanding our water use is important for a healthy planet. I will calculate my water footprint and look for a few ways I can reduce consumption or waste, then share what I learned on the feed.

I will save up to 4 gallons (15 L) of water each day by turning it off while brushing my teeth.

I will save up to 20 gallons (75 L) of water each day by taking 5-minute showers.

I will naturally heat and cool my house, office, or dorm room by opening or closing my windows, curtains, and blinds, and by using fans.

I will spend 30 minutes learning more about renewable energy alternatives (i.e. solar, wind, biomass) in my region.

I will watch 1 documentaries about food sovereignty: the right of local peoples to control their own food systems including markets, ecological resources, food cultures and production methods.

I will watch 1 documentaries about systemic racism to learn more about how it affects us and the planet.

I will use the resource links provided and spend 30 minutes learning about the native populations that lived in my area prior to colonization, and what I can do to support those that still exist.

I will spend 30 minutes learning about restorative justice and conflict resolution opportunities in my own community or state.

I will switch to washing my clothes in cold water, saving up to 1,600 lbs of CO2 over the course of the next year.

I will reduce the amount of paper mail that I receive by 3.4lbs (1.5kg) a month or 41lbs (18.6kg) a year by opting into paperless billing, ending unwanted subscriptions and opting out of junk mail.

We may find more meaning and joy in life when our actions are aligned with our personal values. I will determine what my top 3-5 core values are so that I can better align my actions with them.

I will spend 30 minutes learning about the perils of fast fashion and will choose thrift stores, clothing swaps, or second-hand options when I shop for clothes.

I will spend at least 30 minutes finding out what local laws, policies, and practices keep people from voting in my community.

I will spend 30 minutes learning about the experiences of trans, femme, and/or nonbinary people.

I will try a new method of food preparation, such as canning, pickling, or baking bread.

Individual actions are important, but people and organizations working together can make a real impact. I will share a carbon or energy calculator with a friend and invite them to calculate the carbon footprint of their living space.